You know how sometimes you see something, and you just know you have to experience it sometime?  Like maybe a type of food- you just know you have to taste it! Or a place you know you have to visit.  Maybe this only applies to photographers, but there has been this pair of shoes.  Heels, to be exact. Badgley Mischka heels to be fully detailed.  They have always had my eye when other brides have worn them and I have seen them in the blogs I follow because they are all formal and beautiful from the front with the party in the back, and they are gorgeous!  The moment I pulled those stunning heels out of their box, I knew this was going to be a beautiful day- and it was!  But for so much more than just the looks (which were indeed beautiful).  Amber and Justin’s wedding was at Long Bridge Golf Course, a venue I love shooting at!  The ceremony is outside at that venue, and I just love an outdoor ceremony and an all in one venue!  My sweet photographer friend Angie second shot for me, and while I miss Michael when he stays home with the kids, it was so fun to have some girl time and to have another female wedding photographer with me!

And lastly…Amber and Justin and their loved ones.  Justin’s mother Melissa is also a local photographer and a person I just adore being around, and there were so many family members in the bridal party, making it extra personal.  Each member of Amber and Justin’s family welcomed us with such open arms into their celebration just like we were one of their own.  And Justin’s dad, Mike, performed the ceremony with just an absolutely beautiful sermon centered on his son and his new wife.  There were just so many beautiful personal touches. I spent the morning with Amber and her girls, and was pretty amazed by what I witnessed.  Even though she was the bride, the girl who the whole day was supposed to center around, Amber, spent the hour before she got dressed helping everyone in the room get ready.  Zipping dresses, picking out jewelry, cutting off tags…she was taking care of everyone else.  Each of those women told her a million times that they wanted to be pampering her instead- but it was just clear…this is who Amber is.  She steps in, and she helps.  She is a beautiful person with so many qualities to love- and is now the wife of a man who is her balance, her entertainment, and her rock.  It was truly a beautiful day.

Remember those shoes I mentioned? Be ready for a details overload!

Aren’t they gorgeous?!  As was everything else! I LOVE it when my brides leave me their save the date and perfume bottle with everything else! It allows for some personalized detail shots! Loved this moment between the bride and her soon to be mother in law!   And that same mom took a moment to shield her son’s eye’s per Amber’s request before their first look. My favorite moments! “Let me check you out!” Beautiful on the first shot!! These little guys…SO ADORABLE! Looking good, Justin! I never typically share family formals…but I had to because I just loved these outside family formals! Beautiful light, easy space- this is such a great option, and can be done right outside your indoor ceremony location! Just something to consider, future brides! ) Amber you make a PERFECT bride!! Gorgeous ladies! I LOVE these flowers- Petals and Co knocked it out of the park again!! Had to share this of Amber and her beautiful mama!
Favorite! I loved this knot tying ceremony! Beautiful. Love this from Angie!! That ring feels so new at first… Now let me tell you, this was a dance party!! Amber is the life of every party and the light in every room. You guys, THANK YOU for letting me steal you for these sunset images! So worth it, don’t you think?? Amber and Justin, I loved capturing your beautiful day! You are both such wonderful people and I know a beautiful marriage will follow your lovely wedding.  You both deserve so much happiness, and I know you will find it together! Congratulations, and much love!! 

Click here to see their engagement session!

I adored working with Justin & Amber’s amazing creative team!!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Long Bridge Golf Course

Flowers:  Petals & Co.

DJ & Videographer: Complete Weddings & Events

Wedding Dress Boutique: Adore

Wedding Dress Designer:  Maggie Sottero

Hair: Lush Hair Salon

Caterer:  Hyvee Market Grille

Invitations: Capitol Blue Print